SA8300HD Issues

[nathan]

By the way, I figure I'll eat some crow here, and mention that last Thursday morning at around 1-2ish, I was listening to music on one of the music channels (Loud or Retro, can't remember), and had the TV off, I went to set the morning alarm, and when I turned on the TV, a nice message box said something to the effect of 'Your digital box will power off to perform maintenance unless an action key is pressed'...

...of course, when I hit a key, the box went haywire, and rebooted. So I guess the box does indeed sometimes turn off in the early morning, but I suspect it's just a power-off, and would continue recording normally. (as I record shows from 1:30-3AM every day, and there's never a problem with the recordings.

Also, on a side note, I've been in Calgary for the past few days, and it finally hit me how much I like having a PVR...there have been numerous times where I've left the room, and wanted to pause the TV show so as not to miss anything. Sigh...hotel's need PVR's!

[57]

Originally Posted by alkaline

Snyone currently using the 8300's HDMI connection with success?

http://digitalhomecanada.com/forum/s...73&postcount=8

[kelmk]

Why don't we have the option to record First run episodes only like some people do on the 8000?
http://home.comcast.net/~bklfowler/sa8000hd/10.jpg
Rogers in Toronto

[bobbyhollywood]

I am using the HDMI connection with no problems. It's definitely not disabled.

[andrew.r]

I have a DVI (HDCP) connection and would like to obtain an HDMI cable and the needed HDMI to DVI converter. Does anyone know where I can obtain these at a reasonable cost? I wonder if the would be an improvement in PQ on my 720P LCD flatpanel TV?

[voyager6868]

Originally Posted by andrew.r

I have a DVI (HDCP) connection and would like to obtain an HDMI cable and the needed HDMI to DVI converter. Does anyone know where I can obtain these at a reasonable cost?

svideo.com

Free shipping worldwide, or you can pay $6 for priority mail.

[Scott hanrahan]

Originally Posted by andrew.r

I have a DVI (HDCP) connection and would like to obtain an HDMI cable and the needed HDMI to DVI converter. Does anyone know where I can obtain these at a reasonable cost? I wonder if the would be an improvement in PQ on my 720P LCD flatpanel TV?

2001 audio video seems to stock all the cables and adapters you would need ULTRALINK brand. I picked up the infamous hdmi male to dvi female adapter
there for 49.99 and they were the only store not online that even stocked it.

Beware however because although I now have all the right connections I still cant get it to work. I don't know if its disabled (8300hd)or a problem with my toshiba 57hx83 dvi conection.
hope this helps

[ANDYA]

I hooked up my new Sony KDF 60 XS955 to the SA8300HDPVR with the component cables that came with the unit. I then purchased an HDMI cable and I see little difference except perhaps it may be slightly brighter (hard to tell). Sound volume is louder at the same volume setting on the tv. (set to HDMI-DVI no sound if set to Dolby Digital)
However when I change channels or shift to the on screen program listing or settings menu on the 8300 I found that the screen often goes blank and snowy before recovering particularly when I am viewing HD channels. Not so bed on regular analogue or digital channels. I assume that the HDMI port on the box is not acting properly. Any suggestions?

[kickstart]

I think the snow you are seeing is the TV set syncing to different resolutions.

I have the same problem with the component cables on my 42WE620. Whenever I switch channels and the resolution changes (from 720p to 1080i to 480i etc) I get the snow and flashing. This didn't occur when I had my SA8300HD set to output 1080i all the time. Now it's setup to pass-thru signals and let the TV scale them. Perhaps with HDMI it automatically passes thru signals.

Test would be this. Switch between two channels you know are the same resolution, like NBC and Fox or ABC and PBS. If there's no flash it's the TV syncing.

I've decided to live with it since the TV does a better job of scalling SD channels than the set top box does.

[57]

Originally Posted by kickstart

Test would be this. Switch between two channels you know are the same resolution, like NBC and Fox or ABC and PBS. If there's no flash it's the TV syncing.

Bad choices. Please see the Digital Home FAQ on HDTV formats. NBC is 1080i, Fox, ABC and PBS Detroit are 720P.

[muskie]

So I've read through this thread and still can't decide whether to upgrade my 8000 to an 8300..... Am I going to be happier if I upgrade?

[57]

If you are currently "happy" with your 8000 and renting it, then feel free to wait.

I think that most people would agree that the 8300 is "better" despite the issues it has.

[alkaline]

Originally Posted by bobbyhollywood

I am using the HDMI connection with no problems. It's definitely not disabled.

I tried connecting with both component / HDMI and just HDMI connections, but get no picture. The documentation implied that you simply select the 'auto HDMI / DVI ' mode but I only see a 'passthrough' selection.

How does the terminal know that there is an HDMI connection? Is there any special setup required?

[57]

If attempting a DVI/HDMI connection make sure:

1. If you have a Toshiba TV, some have "issues" with the "handshake".
2. Turn on the TV first, before the STB, this usually solves the "handshake" issue.
3. Make sure the TV has HDCP.

Might be worth starting a new thread on this topic.

Others may have more to add.

[subculture]

2 points, now that I'm able to post:

1) The HDMI <> DVI cable can be purchased for approx. $50 in Yorkville, Toronto at an audio shop. Of course, I can't remember the name now, but it's on Yorkville St, on the south side, very close to Bellair St. I think the brand name is 'infinite'

2) I'm using the cable with the 8300HD and the Sony 620, in passthru mode, and it works perfectly. No issues, better picture than component.